headyversion

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Houston Head

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Submissions

2
El Paso
Dec. 7, 1971
Felt Forum, Madison Square Garden

Lyrically precise, energetic playing, and everyone sounds like they're enjoying themselves. What more could you ask for on this one?
3
Playin' In The Band
Oct. 26, 1971
The Palestra, U. of Rochester

The shorter versions need love to, and this one hits all the sweet spots.
2
Drums
Sept. 25, 1991
Boston Garden

Fun and thunderous, this version has some great grooves.
11
Queen Jane Approximately
Sept. 16, 1990
Madison Square Garden

Clean and confident reading with lots of personality from Phil and Vince.

Comments

Truckin'
July 9, 1989
Giants Stadium

The jam here makes me very happy, but it also kind of bums me out. The band breaks free into a fun and interesting space, but the self-imposed rigidity of the 80s show format wins out and has them walking off stage right at the precipice of something new and unique. It's everything beautiful and frustrating about 80s Dead all at once.
Drums -> Space
July 7, 1989
JFK Stadium

One of the more thoughtful explorations in MIDI-era Space
Terrapin Station
July 4, 1989
Rich Stadium

Maybe not the most epic jam, but the performance is laser sharp, helping the weight of the piece land properly in a way that tended to elude the band in earlier years.
Not Fade Away
Feb. 18, 1971
Capitol Theater

Everyone makes the most of the jam space on this version, and the combo of Pigpen and Ned Lagin allows for some new sonic textures in this version.
Loser
Feb. 18, 1971
Capitol Theater

Jerry's fresh eyes toward this song result in a slightly different reading of the lyrics. Here he comes on like a charmer, really pitching his plan and hoping you'll buy what he's selling. The world weary tone he would give the narrator later on ultimately suits the song more, but the early enthusiasm gives this reading its own special feeling. Check it out.
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